A mini stroke, also known as a transient ischemic attack or TIA, results from a temporary blockage of the blood vessels leading to the brain. Mini strokes can be a precursor to more severe strokes and should be taken seriously. Knowing the signs of mini strokes can help you know when to seek treatment.
Recognition
The symptoms of a TIA resemble those of a stroke but tend to be milder and shorter in duration. A mini stroke may include symptoms such as weakness or numbness in one side of the body or in the face or limbs, difficulty speaking or comprehending what others are saying, vision problems, severe headache and loss of balance. These symptoms are the same as those of a true stroke and there is no way to distinguish a TIA from a stroke until after the symptoms have resolved themselves. According to a report in Health Day News from an April 15, 2010 news release of the American Heart Association, a full 68% of people who have had a mini stroke are unaware that they did.
Timing
A mini stroke typically comes on suddenly and without any warning. The symptoms usually last for a few minutes, although in some people, symptoms linger for as long as 24 hours. The average duration of a TIA is about one minute, and in most cases the signs of a mini stroke dissipate within an hour, according to the American Heart Association.
Importance
Mini strokes often precede an actual stroke. The same blockage that causes a TIA may go on to completely block the artery and stop blood flow to the brain. Because they signal something that may develop into a potentially deadly problem, recognizing the symptoms and signs of a transient ischemic attack can potentially save a life. According to the American Heart Association, more than 1/3 of people who have had a TIA will go on to have a stroke.
Reaction
Someone who exhibits the signs of a mini stroke should be taken to a hospital immediately for evaluation. Sometimes, a person who has a TIA will insist that he is fine and doesn't need medical care, but since a mini stroke can precede a more serious stroke, medical evaluation is necessary. Health Day News reports that only 47% of those experiencing signs of a mini stroke went to a doctor or hospital within the recommended three hours after exhibiting symptoms, and only 67% sought medical attention within 24 hours.
Tests and Treatment
Tests performed after the fact can reveal whether a person has indeed had a transient ischemic attack and can help pinpoint the cause in order to attempt to prevent future TIAs or serious strokes. Most people who experience a TIA and report to a hospital will undergo a computerized tomography or magnetic resonance imaging scan. These scans look at the brain and blood vessels leading to the brain to determine where the problem lies. Medication or surgery may be recommended for those who have experienced the signs of a mini stroke, even in cases where the specific cause cannot be located.
